Question: +'s & -'s of Glass Bead finish??

+ to the maker = It's cheap. It's "tactical."
+ to the user = It might keep the cost down to you, a little.
It is less reflective than polished or even brushed.

- to the user = I don't know how to touch it up when worn except by re-beading.
If they bead working surfaces it can affect operation of the gun. I had a 1911 built up from odds and ends of unmatching parts and once it was shooting, wanted it to look the same all over, so I had it beaded and blued. Had to have the slide refitted and lapped to the frame because they beaded the rails and roughened them to where it would not run.
 
I have found that a blead-blast finish, once blued, holds oil or grease pretty well, but....... If it ever gets dry, it seems to rust three times faster than a polished blue job. I had a Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 revolver that had a bead-blast finish. I could not seem to keep the exterior of that gun from developing rust spots.

I personally bead-blasted an FN Mauser barreled action and then had it hot-blued. The finish was just what I wanted -- non reflective and even. I have had no problem with that gun in 4 years since I blued it. With respect to Jim's caution. I did the bead blasting myself, and I stayed away from wear surfaces.

Clemson
 
Glad you checked in..

I'm getting one to be carried outside about 2 hours a day - rain or shine all year. Think piedmont SC but even wetter.

Sounds like a bead blast finish would require more care than others -- any recommendations for the best finish for wet work with least day to day fuss.

Saw a good deal on a bead blast finsih revolver but passed on it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top